Caloric heat pump system

ABSTRACT

A caloric heat pump system includes a pump is operable to circulate a working fluid through a stage. The pump includes a motor. A cam is coupled to the motor such that the cam is rotatable by the motor. The cam has a non-circular outer profile surface. Each piston of a pair of pistons has a cam follower positioned on the non-circular outer profile surface of the cam.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/213,448, filed Jul. 19, 2016 and published as 2018/0023852 on Jan. 25, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to caloric heat pump systems, such as magneto-caloric heat pump systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional refrigeration technology typically utilizes a heat pump that relies on compression and expansion of a fluid refrigerant to receive and reject heat in a cyclic manner so as to effect a desired temperature change or i.e. transfer heat energy from one location to another. This cycle can be used to provide e.g., for the receiving of heat from a refrigeration compartment and the rejecting of such heat to the environment or a location that is external to the compartment. Other applications include air conditioning of residential or commercial structures. A variety of different fluid refrigerants have been developed that can be used with the heat pump in such systems.

While improvements have been made to such heat pump systems that rely on the compression of fluid refrigerant, at best such can still only operate at about forty-five percent or less of the maximum theoretical Carnot cycle efficiency. Also, some fluid refrigerants have been discontinued due to environmental concerns. The range of ambient temperatures over which certain refrigerant-based systems can operate may be impractical for certain locations. Other challenges with heat pumps that use a fluid refrigerant exist as well.

Magneto-caloric materials (MCMs), i.e. materials that exhibit the magneto-caloric effect, provide a potential alternative to fluid refrigerants for heat pump applications. In general, the magnetic moments of an MCM will become more ordered under an increasing, externally applied magnetic field and cause the MCM to generate heat. Conversely, decreasing the externally applied magnetic field will allow the magnetic moments of the MCM to become more disordered and allow the MCM to absorb heat. Some MCMs exhibit the opposite behavior, i.e. generating heat when the magnetic field is removed (which are sometimes referred to as para-magneto-caloric material but both types are referred to collectively herein as magneto-caloric material or MCM). The theoretical Carnot cycle efficiency of a refrigeration cycle based on an MCM can be significantly higher than for a comparable refrigeration cycle based on a fluid refrigerant. As such, a heat pump system that can effectively use an MCM would be useful.

Challenges exist to the practical and cost competitive use of an MCM, however. In addition to the development of suitable MCMs, equipment that can attractively utilize an MCM is still needed. Currently proposed equipment may require relatively large and expensive magnets, may be impractical for use in e.g., appliance refrigeration, and may not otherwise operate with enough efficiency to justify capital cost.

Accordingly, a heat pump system that can address certain challenges, such as those identified above, would be useful. Such a heat pump system that can also be used in e.g., a refrigerator appliance would also be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a caloric heat pump system. The caloric heat pump system includes a pump is operable to circulate a working fluid through a stage. The pump includes a motor. A cam is coupled to the motor such that the cam is rotatable by the motor. The cam has a non-circular outer profile surface. Each piston of a pair of pistons has a cam follower positioned on the non-circular outer profile surface of the cam. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a caloric heat pump system is provided. The caloric heat pump system includes a regenerator housing having a chamber. The caloric heat pump system also includes a stage. The stage includes a caloric material disposed within the chamber. A pump is operable to circulate a working fluid through the stage. The pump includes a motor. A cam is coupled to the motor such that the cam is rotatable by the motor. The cam has a non-circular outer profile surface. A pair of pistons is positioned opposite each other about the cam. Each piston of the pair of pistons has a cam follower positioned on the non-circular outer profile surface of the cam.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a caloric heat pump system is provided. The caloric heat pump system includes a regenerator housing having a plurality of chambers. The caloric heat pump system also includes a plurality of stages. Each of the plurality of stages includes a magneto-caloric material disposed within one of the plurality of chambers. A magnet is positioned proximate the regenerator housing. A pump is operable to circulate a working fluid through the plurality of stages. The pump includes a motor. A cam is coupled to the motor such that the cam is rotatable by the motor. The cam has a non-circular outer surface. A first pair of pistons is offset from each other on the cam. Each piston of the first pair of pistons has a cam follower positioned on the non-circular outer surface of the cam. A second pair of pistons is offset from each other on the cam. Each piston of the second pair of pistons has a cam follower positioned on the non-circular outer surface of the cam. One of the regenerator housing or the magnet is movable relative to the other of the regenerator housing or the magnet assembly. In a first position, the regenerator housing is positioned such that a first stage of the plurality of stages is within a magnetic field of the magnet and a second stage of the plurality of stages is out of the magnetic field of the magnet. In a second position, the regenerator housing is positioned such that the first stage of the plurality of stages is out of the magnetic field of the magnet and the second stage of the plurality of stages is within the magnetic field of the magnet.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 is a refrigerator appliance in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of certain components of a heat pump system positioned in the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of certain components of the heat pump system of FIG. 2, with a first stage of MCM within a magnetic field and a second stage of MCM out of a magnetic field, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of certain components of the exemplary heat pump system of FIG. 2, with the first stage of MCM out of the magnetic field and the second stage of MCM within the magnetic field.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an exemplary caloric heat pump of the heat pump system of FIG. 2, with first stages of MCM within magnetic fields and second stages of MCM out of magnetic fields.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the exemplary caloric heat pump of the heat pump system of FIG. 2, with first stages of MCM out of magnetic fields and second stages of MCM within magnetic fields.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a regenerator housing and MCM stages of the exemplary caloric heat pump of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a top view of certain components of the exemplary caloric heat pump of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a chart illustrating movement of a regenerator housing and associated MCM stages in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating operation of pumps to actively flow working fluid in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating various positions and movements there-between of MCM stages in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 provide section views of regenerators according to various exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 15 provides an elevation view of a pump according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 16 provides a schematic view of an alternative exemplary arrangement of stages of a heat pump system coupled to pistons of a pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The present subject matter is directed to a caloric heat pump system for heating or cooling an appliance, such as a refrigerator appliance. While described in greater detail below in the context of a magneto-caloric heat pump system, one of skill in the art using the teachings herein will recognize that other suitable caloric materials may be used in a similar manner to heat or cool an appliance, i.e., apply a field, move heat, remove the field, move heat. For example, electro-caloric material heats up and cools down within increasing and decreasing electric fields. As another example, elasto-caloric material heats up and cools down when exposed to increasing and decreasing mechanical strain. As yet another example, baro-caloric material heats up and cools down when exposed to increasing and decreasing pressure. Such materials and other similar caloric materials may be used in place of or in addition to the magneto-caloric material described below to heat or cool water within an appliance. Thus, caloric material is used broadly herein to encompass materials that undergo heating or cooling when exposed to a changing field from a field generator, where the field generator may be a magnet, an electric field generator, an actuator for applying mechanical stress or pressure, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a refrigerator appliance 10 is depicted as an upright refrigerator having a cabinet or casing 12 that defines a number of internal storage compartments or chilled chambers. In particular, refrigerator appliance 10 includes upper fresh-food compartments 14 having doors 16 and lower freezer compartment 18 having upper drawer 20 and lower drawer 22. Drawers 20, 22 are “pull-out” type drawers in that they can be manually moved into and out of freezer compartment 18 on suitable slide mechanisms. Refrigerator 10 is provided by way of example only. Other configurations for a refrigerator appliance may be used as well including appliances with only freezer compartments, only chilled compartments, or other combinations thereof different from that shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the heat pump and heat pump system of the present disclosure is not limited to refrigerator appliances and may be used in other applications as well such as e.g., air-conditioning, electronics cooling devices, and others. Thus, it should be understood that while the use of a heat pump and heat pump system to provide cooling within a refrigerator is provided by way of example herein, the present disclosure may also be used to provide for heating applications as well.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of various components of refrigerator appliance 10, including a refrigeration compartment 30 and a machinery compartment 40. In particular, machinery compartment 30 includes a heat pump system 52 having a first or cold side heat exchanger 32 positioned in refrigeration compartment 30 for the removal of heat therefrom. A heat transfer fluid such as e.g., an aqueous solution, flowing within first heat exchanger 32 receives heat from refrigeration compartment 30 thereby cooling contents of refrigeration compartment 30. A fan 38 may be used to provide for a flow of air across first heat exchanger 32 to improve the rate of heat transfer from refrigeration compartment 30.

The heat transfer fluid flows out of first heat exchanger 32 by line 44 to heat pump 100. As will be further described herein, the heat transfer fluid receives additional heat from magneto-caloric material (MCM) in heat pump 100 and carries this heat by line 48 to pump 42 and then to second or hot side heat exchanger 34. Heat is released to the environment, machinery compartment 40, and/or other location external to refrigeration compartment 30 using second heat exchanger 34. A fan 36 may be used to create a flow of air across second heat exchanger 34 and thereby improve the rate of heat transfer to the environment. Pump 42 connected into line 48 causes the heat transfer fluid to recirculate in heat pump system 52. Motor 28 is in mechanical communication with heat pump 100, as will be further described.

From second heat exchanger 34, the heat transfer fluid returns by line 50 to heat pump 100 where, as will be further described below, the heat transfer fluid loses heat to the MCM in heat pump 100. The now colder heat transfer fluid flows by line 46 to first heat exchanger 32 to receive heat from refrigeration compartment 30 and repeat the cycle as just described.

Heat pump system 52 is provided by way of example only. Other configurations of heat pump system 52 may be used as well. For example, lines 44, 46, 48, and 50 provide fluid communication between the various components of heat pump system 52 but other heat transfer fluid recirculation loops with different lines and connections may also be employed. For example, pump 42 can also be positioned at other locations or on other lines in system 52. Still other configurations of heat pump system 52 may be used as well.

FIGS. 3 through 11 illustrate an exemplary heat pump 100 and components thereof, and the use of such heat pumps 100 with heat pump system 52, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Components of heat pump 100 may be oriented relative to a coordinate system for heat pump 100, which may include a vertical direction V, a transverse direction T and a lateral direction L, all of which may be mutually perpendicular and orthogonal to one another.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, heat pump 100 includes one or more magnet assemblies 110, each of which creates a magnetic field M. For example, a magnetic field M may be generated by a single magnet, or by multiple magnets. In exemplary embodiments as illustrated, a first magnet 112 and a second magnet 114 may be provided, and the magnetic field M may be generated between magnets 112, 114. Magnets 112, 114 may, for example, have opposite magnetic polarities such that they either attract or repel each other. Magnets 112, 114 of magnet assembly 110 may also be spaced apart from each other, such as along the vertical direction V. A gap 116 may thus be defined between first magnet 112 and second magnet 114, such as along the vertical direction V.

Heat pump 100 may further include a support frame 120 which supports magnet assembl(ies) 110. Magnet assembly 110 may be connected to support frame 120. For example, each magnet 112, 114 of magnet assembly 110 may be connected to support frame 120. Such connection in exemplary embodiments is a fixed connection via a suitable adhesive, mechanical fasteners and/or a suitable connecting technique, such as welding, brazing, etc. Support assembly 120 may, for example, support magnets 112, 114 in position such that gap 114 is defined between magnets 112, 114.

As illustrated, support frame 120 is an open-style frame, such that interior portions of support frame 120 are accessible from exterior to support frame 120 (e.g. in the lateral and transverse directions L, T) and components of heat pump 100 can be moved from interior to support frame 120 to exterior to support frame 120 and vice-versa. For example, support frame 120 may define one or more interior spaces 122. Multiple interior spaces 122, as shown, may be partitioned from each other by frame members or other components of the support frame 120. An interior space 122 may be contiguous with associated magnets 112, 114 (i.e. magnet assembly 110) and gap 116, such as along the lateral direction L. Support frame 120 may additionally define one or more exterior spaces 124, each of which includes the exterior environment proximate support frame 120. Specifically, an exterior space 124 may be contiguous with associated magnets 112, 114 (i.e. magnet assembly 110) and gap 116, such as along the lateral direction L. An associated interior space 122 and exterior space 124 may be disposed on opposing sides of associated magnets 112, 114 (i.e. magnet assembly 110) and gap 116, such as along the lateral direction L. Thus, magnet assembly 110 and gap 116 may be positioned between an associated interior space 122 and exterior space 124, e.g., along the lateral direction L.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, support frame 120, frame members and other components thereof may include and form one or more C-shaped portions. A C-shaped portion may, for example, define an interior space 122 and associated gap 116, and may further define an associated exterior space 124 as shown. In exemplary embodiments as illustrated, support frame 120 may support two magnet assemblies 110, and may define an interior space 122, gap 116, and exterior space 124 associated with each of two magnet assemblies 110. Alternatively, however, a support frame 120 may support only a single magnet assembly 110 or three or more magnet assemblies 110.

Various frame members may be utilized to form support frame 120. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, an upper frame member 126 and a lower frame member 127 may be provided. Lower frame member 127 may be spaced apart from upper frame member 126 along the vertical axis V. First magnet(s) 112 may be connected to upper frame member 126, and second magnet(s) 114 may be connected to lower frame member 127. In exemplary embodiments, upper frame member 126 and lower frame member 127 may be formed from materials which have relatively high magnetic permeability, such as iron.

In some exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a support frame 120 may further include an intermediate frame member 128. Intermediate frame member 128 may be disposed and extend between and connect upper frame member 126 and lower frame member 127, and may in some exemplary embodiments be integrally formed with upper and lower frame members 126, 127. As shown, multiple interior spaces 122 may be partitioned from each other by intermediate frame member 128. In some exemplary embodiments, intermediate frame member 128 may be formed from materials which have relatively high magnetic permeability, such as iron. In other exemplary embodiments, intermediate frame member 128 may be formed from materials which have relatively lower magnetic permeability than those of upper and lower frame members 126, 127. Accordingly, such materials, termed magnetically shielding materials herein, may facilitate direction of magnetic flux paths only through upper and lower frame members 126, 127 and magnet assemblies 110, advantageously reducing losses in magnetic strength, etc.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 through 11, heat pump 100 may further include a plurality of stages, each of which includes a magneto-caloric material (MCM). In exemplary embodiments, such MCM stages may be provided in pairs, each of which may for example include a first stage 130 and a second stage 132. Each stage 130, 132 may include one or more different types of MCM. Further, the MCM(s) provided in each stage 130, 132 may be the same or may be different.

As provided in heat pump 100, each stage 130, 132 may extend, such as along the transverse direction T, between a first end portion 134 and a second end portion 136. As discussed herein, working fluid (also referred to herein as heat transfer fluid or fluid refrigerant) may flow into each stage 130, 132 and from each stage 130, 132 through first end portion 134 and second end portion 136. Accordingly, working fluid flowing through a stage 130, 132 during operation of heat pump 100 flows generally along the transverse direction T between first and second end portions 134, 136 of stages 130, 132.

Stages 130, 132, such as each pair of stages 130, 132, may be disposed within regenerator housings 140. Regenerator housing 140 along with stages 130, 132 and optional insulative materials may collectively be referred to as a regenerator assembly. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, regenerator housing 140 includes a body 142 which defines a plurality of chambers 144, each of which extends along the transverse direction T between opposing ends of chamber 144. Chambers 144 of a regenerator housing 140 may thus be arranged in a linear array along the lateral direction L, as shown. Each stage 130, 132, such as of a pair of stages 130, 132, may be disposed within one of chambers 144 of a regenerator housing 140. Accordingly, these stages 130, 132 may be disposed in a linear array along the lateral direction L. As illustrated, in exemplary embodiments, each regenerator housing 140 may include a pair of stages 130, 132. Alternatively, three, four or more stages 130, 132 may be provided in a regenerator housing 140.

The regenerator housing(s) 140 (and associated stages 130, 132) and magnet assembly(s) 110 may be movable relative to each other, such as along the lateral direction L. In exemplary embodiments as shown, for example, each regenerator housing 140 (and associated stages 130, 132) is movable relative to an associated magnet assembly 110, such as along the lateral direction L. Alternatively, however, each magnet assembly 110 may be movable relative to the associated regenerator housing 140 (and associated stages 130, 132), such as along the lateral direction L.

Such relative movement between regenerator housing 140 and an associated magnet assembly 110 causes movement of each stage 130, 132 into the magnetic field M and out of the magnetic field M. As discussed herein, movement of a stage 130, 132 into the magnetic field M may cause the magnetic moments of the material to orient and the MCM to heat (or alternatively cool) as part of the magneto-caloric effect. When one of stages 130, 132 is out of the magnetic field M, the MCM may thus cool (or alternatively heat) due to disorder of the magnetic moments of the material.

For example, a regenerator housing 140 (or an associated magnet assembly 110) may be movable along the lateral direction L between a first position and a second position. In the first position (as illustrated for example in FIGS. 3 and 5), regenerator housing 140 may be positioned such that first stage 130 disposed within regenerator housing 140 is within the magnetic field M and second stage 132 disposed within regenerator housing 140 is out of the magnetic field M. Notably, being out of the magnetic field M means that second stage 132 is generally or substantially uninfluenced by the magnets and resulting magnetic field M. Accordingly, the MCM of the stage as a whole may not be actively heating (or cooling) as it would if within the magnetic field M (and instead may be actively or passively cooling (or heating) due to such removal of the magnetic field M). In the second position (as illustrated for example in FIGS. 4 and 6), regenerator housing 140 may be positioned such that first stage 130 disposed within regenerator housing 140 is out of the magnetic field M and second stage 132 disposed within regenerator housing 140 is within the magnetic field M.

Regenerator housing 140 (or an associated magnet assembly 110) is movable along the lateral direction L between the first position and the second position. Such movement along the lateral direction L from the first position to the second position may be referred to herein as a first transition, while movement along the lateral direction L from the second position to the first position may be referred to herein as a second transition.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, movement of a regenerator housing 140 (or an associated magnet assembly 110) may be caused by operation of motor 26. Motor 26 may be in mechanical communication with regenerator housing 140 (or magnet assembly 110) and configured for moving regenerator housing 140 (or magnet assembly 110) along the lateral direction L (i.e. between the first position and second position). For example, a shaft 150 of motor 28 may be connected to a cam. The cam may be connected to the regenerator housing 140 (or associated magnet assembly 110), such that relative movement of the regenerator housing 140 and associated magnet assembly 110 is caused by and due to rotation of the cam. The cam may, as shown, be rotational about the lateral direction L.

For example, in some exemplary embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cam may be a cam cylinder 152. Cam cylinder 152 may be rotational about an axis that is parallel to the lateral direction L. A cam groove 154 may be defined in cam cylinder 152, and a follower tab 148 of regenerator housing 120 may extend into cam groove 154. Rotation of motor 28 may cause rotation of cam cylinder 152. Cam groove 154 may be defined in a particularly desired cam profile such that, when cam cylinder 152 rotates, tab 148 moves along the lateral direction L between the first position and second position due to the pattern of cam groove 154 and in the cam profile, in turn causing such movement of regenerator housing 120.

FIG. 9 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a cam profile which includes a first position, first transition, second position, and second transition. Notably, in exemplary embodiments the period during which a regenerator housing 140 (or an associated magnet assembly 110) is dwelling in the first position and/or second position may be longer than the period during which the regenerator housing 140 (or an associated magnet assembly 110) is moving in the first transition and/or second transition. Accordingly, the cam profile defined by the cam defines the first position, the second position, the first transition, and the second transition. In exemplary embodiments, the cam profile causes the one of regenerator housing 140 or magnet assembly 110 to dwell in the first position and the second position for periods of time longer than time periods in the first transition and second transition.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in some exemplary embodiments, lines 44, 46, 48, 50 may facilitate the flow of working fluid between heat exchangers 32, 34 and heat pump 100. Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, in exemplary embodiments, lines 44, 46, 48, 50 may facilitate the flow of working fluid between heat exchangers 32, 34 and stages 130, 132 of heat pump 100. Working fluid may flow to and from each stage 130, 132 through various apertures defined in each stage. The apertures generally define the locations of working fluid flow to or from each stage. In some exemplary embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, multiple apertures (e.g., two apertures) may be defined in first end 134 and second end 136 of each stage 130, 132. For example, each stage 130, 132 may define a cold side inlet 162, a cold side outlet 164, a hot side inlet 166 and a hot side outlet 168. Cold side inlet 162 and cold side outlet 164 may be defined in each stage 130, 132 at first end 134 of stage 130, 132, and hot side inlet 166 and hot side outlet 168 may be defined in each stage 130, 132 at second end 136 of stage 130, 132. The inlets and outlets may provide fluid communication for the working fluid to flow into and out of each stage 130, 132, and from or to heat exchangers 32, 34. For example, a line 44 may extend between cold side heat exchanger 32 and cold side inlet 162, such that working fluid from heat exchanger 32 flows through line 44 to cold side inlet 162. A line 46 may extend between cold side outlet 164 and cold side heat exchanger 32, such that working fluid from cold side outlet 164 flows through line 46 to heat exchanger 32. A line 50 may extend between hot side heat exchanger 34 and hot side inlet 166, such that working fluid from heat exchanger 34 flows through line 50 to hot side inlet 166. A line 48 may extend between hot side outlet 168 and hot side heat exchanger 34, such that working fluid from hot side outlet 168 flows through line 48 to heat exchanger 34.

When a regenerator housing 140 (and associated stages 130, 132) is in a first position, a first stage 130 may be within the magnetic field and a second stage 132 may be out of the magnetic field. Accordingly, working fluid in first stage 130 may be heated (or cooled) due to the magneto-caloric effect, while working fluid in second stage 132 may be cooled (or heated) due to the lack of magneto-caloric effect. Additionally, when a stage 130, 132 is in the first position or second position, working fluid may be actively flowed to heat exchangers 32, 34, such as through inlets and outlets of the various stages 130, 132. Working fluid may be generally constant or static within stages 130, 132 during the first and second transitions.

One or more pumps 170, 172 (each of which may be a pump 42 as discussed herein) may be operable to facilitate such active flow of working fluid when the stages are in the first position or second position. In exemplary embodiments, each pump is or includes a reciprocating piston. For example, a single pump assembly may include two reciprocating pistons. For example, a first pump 170 (which may be or include a piston) may operate to flow working fluid when the stages 130, 132 are in the first position (such that stage 130 is within the magnetic field M and stage 132 is out of the magnetic field M), while a second pump 172 (which may be or include a piston) may operate to flow working fluid when the stages 130, 132 are in the second position (such that stage 132 is within the magnetic field M and stage 130 is out of the magnetic field M). Operation of a pump 170, 172 may cause active flow of working fluid through the stages 130, 132, heat exchangers 32, 34, and system 52 generally. Each pump 170, 172 may be in fluid communication with the stages 130, 132 and heat exchangers 32, 34, such as on various lines between stages 130, 132 and heat exchangers 32, 34. In exemplary embodiments as shown, the pumps 170, 172 may be on “hot side” lines between the stages 130, 132 and heat exchanger 34 (i.e. on lines 48). Alternatively, the pumps 170, 172 may be on “cold side” lines between the stages 130, 132 and heat exchanger 32 (i.e. on lines 44). Referring briefly to FIG. 10, operation of the pumps 170, 172 relative to movement of a regenerator housing 140 and associated stages 130, 132 through a cam profile is illustrated. First pump 170 may operate when the stages are in the first position, and second pump 172 may operate when the stages are in the second position.

Working fluid may be flowable from a stage 130, 132 through hot side outlet 168 and to stage 130, 132 through cold side inlet 162 when the stage is within the magnetic field M. Working fluid may be flowable from a stage 130, 132 through cold side outlet 164 and to the stage through hot side inlet 166 during movement of stage 130, 132 when the stage is out of the magnetic field M. Accordingly, and referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a first flow path 180 and a second flow path 182 may be defined. Each flow path 180 may include flow through a first stage 130 and second stage 132, as well as flow through cold side heat exchanger 32 and hot side heat exchanger 34. The flow of working fluid may occur either along the first flow path 180 or the second flow path 182, depending on the positioning of the first and second stages 130, 132.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first flow path 180, which may be utilized in the first position. In the first position, first stage 130 is within the magnetic field M, and second stage 132 is out of the magnetic field M. Activation and operation of pump 170 may facilitate active working fluid flow through first flow path 180. As shown, working fluid may flow from cold side heat exchanger 32 through line 44 and cold side inlet 162 of first stage 130 to the first stage 130, from first stage 130 through hot side outlet 168 and line 48 of first stage 130 to hot side heat exchanger 34, from hot side heat exchanger 34 through line 50 and hot side inlet 166 of second stage 132 to second stage 132, and from second stage 132 through cold side outlet 164 and line 46 of second stage 132 to cold side heat exchanger 32.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second flow path 182, which may be utilized during the second position. In the second position, second stage 132 is within the magnetic field M, and first stage 130 is out of the magnetic field M. Activation and operation of pump 172 may facilitate active working fluid flow through second flow path 182. As shown, working fluid may flow from cold side heat exchanger 32 through line 44 and cold side inlet 162 of second stage 132 to second stage 132, from second stage 132 through hot side outlet 168 and line 48 of second stage 132 to hot side heat exchanger 34, from hot side heat exchanger 34 through line 50 and hot side inlet 166 of first stage 130 to first stage 130, and from first stage 130 through cold side outlet 164 and line 46 of first stage 130 to cold side heat exchanger 32.

Notably, check valves 190 may in some exemplary embodiments be provided on the various lines 44, 46, 48, 50 to prevent backflow there-through. Check valves 190, in combination with differential pressures during operation of heat pump 100, may thus generally prevent flow through the improper flow path when working fluid is being actively flowed through one of flow paths 190, 192.

For example, flexible lines 44, 46, 48, 50 may each be formed from one of a polyurethane, a rubber, or a polyvinyl chloride, or another suitable polymer or other material. In exemplary embodiments, lines 44, 46, 48, 50 may further be fiber impregnated, and thus include embedded fibers, or may be otherwise reinforced. For example, glass, carbon, polymer or other fibers may be utilized, or other polymers such as polyester may be utilized to reinforce lines 44, 46, 48, 50.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary method of the present disclosure using a schematic representation of associated stages 130, 132 of MCM during dwelling in and movement between the various positions as discussed herein. With regard to first stage 130, during step 200, which corresponds to the first position, stage 130 is fully within magnetic field M, which causes the magnetic moments of the material to orient and the MCM to heat as part of the magneto caloric effect. Further, pump 170 is activated to actively flow working fluid in first flow path 180. As indicated by arrow Q_(H-OUT), working fluid in stage 130, now heated by the MCM, can travel out of stage 130 and along line 48 to second heat exchanger 34. At the same time, and as indicated by arrow Q_(H-IN), working fluid from first heat exchanger 32 flows into stage 130 from line 44. Because working fluid from first heat exchanger 32 is relatively cooler than the MCM in stage 130, the MCM will lose heat to the working fluid.

In step 202, stage 130 is moved from the first position to the second position in the first transition. During the time in the first transition, working fluid dwells in the MCM of stage 130. More specifically, the working fluid does not actively flow through stage 130.

In step 204, stage 130 is in the second position and thus out of magnetic field M. The absence or lessening of the magnetic field is such that the magnetic moments of the material become disordered and the MCM absorbs heat as part of the magnetocaloric effect. Further, pump 172 is activated to actively flow working fluid in the second flow path 182. As indicated by arrow Q_(C-OUT), working fluid in stage 130, now cooled by the MCM, can travel out of stage 130 and along line 46 to first heat exchanger 32. At the same time, and as indicated by arrow Q_(C-IN), working fluid from second heat exchanger 34 flows into stage 112 from line 50 when stage 130 is in the second transition. Because working fluid from second heat exchanger 34 is relatively warmer than the MCM in stage 130, the MCM will lose some of its heat to the working fluid. The working fluid now travels along line 46 to first heat exchanger 32 to receive heat and cool refrigeration compartment 30.

In step 206, stage 130 is moved from the second position to the first position in the second transition. During the time in the second transition, the working fluid dwells in the MCM of stage 130. More specifically, the working fluid does not actively flow through stage 130.

With regard to second stage 132, during step 200, which corresponds to the first position, second stage 132 is out of magnetic field M. The absence or lessening of the magnetic field is such that the magnetic moments of the material become disordered and the MCM absorbs heat as part of the magneto-caloric effect. Further, pump 170 is activated to actively flow working fluid in first flow path 180. As indicated by arrow Q_(C-OUT), working fluid in stage 132, now cooled by the MCM, can travel out of stage 132 and along line 46 to first heat exchanger 32. At the same time, and as indicated by arrow Q_(C-IN), working fluid from second heat exchanger 34 flows into stage 112 from line 50 when stage 132 is in the second transition. Because working fluid from second heat exchanger 34 is relatively warmer than the MCM in stage 132, the MCM will lose some of its heat to the working fluid. The working fluid now travels along line 46 to first heat exchanger 32 to receive heat and cool the refrigeration compartment 30.

In step 202, stage 132 is moved from the first position to the second position in the first transition. During the time in the first transition, the working fluid dwells in the MCM of stage 132. More specifically, the working fluid does not actively flow through stage 132.

In step 204, stage 132 is in the second position and thus fully within magnetic field M, which causes the magnetic moments of the material to orient and the MCM to heat as part of the magneto caloric effect. Further, pump 172 is activated to actively flow working fluid in the second flow path 182. As indicated by arrow Q_(H). OUT, working fluid in stage 132, now heated by the MCM, can travel out of stage 132 and along line 48 to second heat exchanger 34. At the same time, and as indicated by arrow Q_(H-IN), working fluid from first heat exchanger 32 flows into stage 132 from line 44. Because working fluid from first heat exchanger 32 is relatively cooler than the MCM in stage 132, the MCM will lose heat to the working fluid.

In step 206, stage 132 is moved from the second position to the first position in the second transition. During the time in the second transition, working fluid dwells in the MCM of stage 132. More specifically, the working fluid does not actively flow through stage 132.

As discussed in greater detail below, heat pump 100 may include various features for regulating or conditioning flow of working fluid through stages 130, 132. In particular, heat pump 100 may include features for regulating flow of working fluid through stages 130, 132 such that working fluid flows evenly through multiple parallel flow paths, e.g., despite variations in flow resistance within stages 130, 132.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 provide section views of regenerators according to various exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. The regenerators shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are discussed in greater detail below in the context of heat pump 100. However, it will be understood that the regenerators shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 may be used in or with any suitable caloric heat pump, in alternative exemplary embodiments. As discussed in greater detail below, the regenerators shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 include features for assisting with providing even flow of working fluid into the regenerators. Even working fluid flow into the regenerators can limit or reduce dead fluid volume within the regenerators and/or provide more even fluid flow from the regenerators.

Turning now to FIG. 12, a regenerator 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is provided. Regenerator 200 includes a regenerator housing 210 and a stage 220. Regenerator housing 210 defines a longitudinal direction LL and a transverse direction TT that are perpendicular to each other. Regenerator housing 210 may be hollow and define a chamber 212 therein. Regenerator housing 210 (e.g., and chamber 212) extends between a first end portion 214 and a second end portion 216, e.g., along the longitudinal direction LL. Thus, regenerator housing 210 may be hollow between first and second end portions 214, 216 of regenerator housing 210.

Stage 220 includes a caloric material, such as a magneto-caloric material, and is disposed within chamber 212 of regenerator housing 210. In particular, stage 220 may be disposed within chamber 212 of regenerator housing 210 between the first and second end portions 214, 216 of regenerator housing 210. Working fluid may flow through stage 220 between first and second end portions 214, 216 of regenerator housing 210 within regenerator housing 210.

Regenerator 200 also includes a pair of caps that assist with sealing chamber 212 of regenerator housing 210 in order to define a flow path for working fluid through regenerator 200. In particular, regenerator 200 includes a first cap 230 and a second cap 240. First cap 230 and second cap 240 are mounted to regenerator housing 210, e.g., such that first cap 230 and second cap 240 are positioned at opposite ends of regenerator housing 210 along the longitudinal direction LL and/or spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction LL. As an example, first cap 230 is mounted or affixed to regenerator housing 210 at first end portion 214 of regenerator housing 210, and second cap 240 is mounted or affixed to regenerator housing 210 at second end portion 216 of regenerator housing 210.

First cap 230 and second cap 240 may be constructed of any suitable material. For example, first cap 230 and second cap 240 may be constructed of plastic, such as molded or additively formed plastic. Regenerator housing 210 may also be formed of plastic, and first cap 230 and second cap 240 may be mounted to regenerator housing 210 using any suitable method or mechanism, such as screw threads, spin welding, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, first and second caps 230, 240 may be uniformly or commonly shaped and/or sized. In alternative exemplary embodiments, first and second caps 230, 240 may have different shapes and/or sizes.

Stage 220 is disposed within chamber 212 between first cap 230 and second cap 240. In particular, first cap 230 and second cap 240 may contact stage 220 within chamber 212 such that stage 220 is held or supported within chamber 212 between first cap 230 and second cap 240. As shown in FIG. 12, first cap 230 and stage 220 may extend across chamber 212 along the transverse direction TT at first end portion 214 of regenerator housing 210. Similarly, second cap 240 and stage 220 may extend across chamber 212 along the transverse direction TT at second end portion 216 of regenerator housing 210. Thus, first cap 230, second cap 240 and stage 220 may have common widths, e.g., along the transverse direction TT. In particular, first cap 230, second cap 240 and stage 220 may be sized in a complementary manner to chamber 212, e.g., along the transverse direction TT, in order to be received within chamber 212 and prevent leakage or bypass of working fluid within chamber 212 around first cap 230, second cap 240 and/or stage 220.

First cap 230 defines an inlet 232 and an outlet 234 that allow flow of working fluid through first cap 230. Similarly, second cap 240 defines an inlet 242 and an outlet 244 that allow flow of working fluid through second cap 240. Outlet 232 of first cap 230 and outlet 242 of second cap 240 may be positioned at and/or contiguous with chamber 212. Thus, working fluid may flow into or out of chamber 212 via outlet 232 of first cap 230 and/or outlet 242 of second cap 240, depending upon the direction of fluid flow through chamber 212. It will be understood by those skilled in the art using the teaching herein that inlet 232 and outlet 234 of first cap 230 are used to describe openings through first cap 230 that allow working fluid to flow through first cap 230 into or out of chamber 212. Thus, the direction of fluid flow through regenerator 200 at first cap 230 dictates which of inlet 232 of first cap 230 and outlet 234 of first cap 230 that the working fluid enters first cap 230 and exits first cap 230. However, in the present disclosure, the nomenclature of inlet 232 of first cap 230 and outlet 234 of first cap 230 are kept constant for clarity. The nomenclature of inlet 242 and outlet 244 of second cap 240 are likewise kept constant for clarity despite the ability of the flow of working fluid through chamber 212 to change directions.

Inlet 232 of first cap 230 and outlet 234 of first cap 230 each define an area (e.g., a cross-sectional area) in a respective plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LL. Thus, the area of inlet 232 of first cap 230 and the area of outlet 234 of first cap 230 may be perpendicular to direction of the flow of working fluid through first cap 230 at inlet 232 of first cap 230 and outlet 234 of first cap 230. In addition, inlet 242 of second cap 240 and outlet 244 of second cap 240 each define an area (e.g., a cross-sectional area) in a respective plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LL. Thus, the area of inlet 242 of second cap 240 and the area of outlet 244 of second cap 240 may be perpendicular to direction of the flow of working fluid through second cap 240 at inlet 242 of second cap 240 and outlet 244 of second cap 240.

The area of inlet 232 of first cap 230 may be less than the area of outlet 234 of first cap 230. Similarly, the area of inlet 242 of second cap 240 may be less than the area of outlet 244 of second cap 240. Such sizing of the inlets 232, 242 of first and second caps 230, 240 relative to the outlets 234, 244 of first and second caps 230, 240 may assist with regulating flow of working fluid through chamber 212 of regenerator housing 210 and/or stage 220. For example, such sizing may facilitate even flow of working fluid into chamber 212 and stage 220. In turn, even working fluid flow into chamber 212 and stage 220 can limit or reduce dead fluid volume within chamber 212 or stage 220 and/or provide more even fluid flow from chamber 212 or stage 220. In particular, the area of inlet 232 of first cap 230 may be less than the area of outlet 234 of first cap 230 such that a velocity of working fluid at inlet 232 of first cap 230 is greater than a velocity of working fluid at outlet 234 of first cap 230. Second cap 240 may have similar working fluid velocities therein. Such velocity differentials may facilitate uniform working fluid flow into chamber 212 and stage 220.

The area of inlet 232 of first cap 230 may be less than the area of outlet 234 of first cap 230 by certain ratios, in exemplary embodiments. As an example, the area of outlet 234 of first cap 230 may be at least four times greater than the area of inlet 232 of first cap 230. As another example, the area of outlet 234 of first cap 230 may be at least ten times greater than the area of inlet 232 of first cap 230. Such sizing of the area of outlet 234 of first cap 230 relative to the area of inlet 232 of first cap 230 may assist with significantly reducing the velocity of working fluid at outlet 234 of first cap 230 relative to the velocity of working fluid at inlet 232 of first cap 230 and thereby limit or reduce dead fluid volume within chamber 212 or stage 220 and/or provide more even fluid flow from chamber 212 or stage 220. Features of second cap may be similarly proportioned.

First cap 230 may have various shapes such that area of inlet 232 of first cap 230 is less than the area of outlet 234 of first cap 230, and second cap 240 may have various shapes such that area of inlet 242 of second cap 240 is less than the area of outlet 244 of second cap 240. For example, with reference to FIG. 12, outlet 234 of first cap 230 may be tapered, e.g., such that the area of outlet 234 decreases along the longitudinal direction LL from chamber 212 towards inlet 232 of first cap 230. Thus, outlet 234 of first cap 230 may be conical or otherwise funneled in certain exemplary embodiments. Still referring to FIG. 12, inlet 232 of first cap 230 may include a plurality of channels 236 that collectively define the area of inlet 232 of first cap 230. Channels 236 of inlet 232 of first cap 230 may extend towards or to outlet 234 of first cap 230, e.g., along the longitudinal direction LL. In addition, channels 236 may be spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction TT within first cap 230. First cap 230 may include any suitable number of channels 236. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, first cap 230 may include two channels 236. In alternative exemplary embodiments, first cap 230 may define three, four, five or more channels 236 or first cap 230 may define only one channel. Turning now to FIGS. 13 and 14, caps may have different shapes in alternative exemplary embodiments.

A regenerator 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is provided in FIG. 13, and a regenerator 400 according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter is provided in FIG. 14. Regenerator 300 and regenerator 400 include similar components and are constructed in a similar manner to regenerator 200 (FIG. 12). For example, regenerator 300 includes a regenerator housing 310, a stage 320, a first cap 330 and a second cap 340. Similarly, regenerator 400 includes a regenerator housing 410, a stage 420, a first cap 430 and a second cap 440.

With reference to FIG. 13, first cap 330 of regenerator 300 has an inlet 332 and an outlet 334, and second cap 340 has an inlet 342 and an outlet 344. The area of inlet 332 of first cap 330 may be less than the area of outlet 334 of first cap 330, and the area of inlet 342 of second cap 340 may be less than the area of outlet 344 of second cap 340. The area of outlet 334 of first cap 330 may be constant, e.g., along the longitudinal direction LL between a chamber of regenerator housing 310 and inlet 332 of first cap 330. Thus, outlet 334 of first cap 330 may be cylindrical or otherwise constant along the longitudinal direction LL in certain exemplary embodiments. An inlet 342 and outlet 344 of second cap 340 may be similarly shaped.

Turning now to FIG. 14, first cap 430 of regenerator 400 has an inlet 432 and an outlet 434, and second cap 440 has an inlet 442 and an outlet 444. The area of inlet 432 of first cap 430 may be less than the area of outlet 434 of first cap 430, and the area of inlet 442 of second cap 440 may be less than the area of outlet 444 of second cap 440. Inlet 432 of first cap 430 defines a plurality of channels 433 that collectively define the area of inlet 432 of first cap 430, and outlet 434 of first cap 430 also defines or includes a plurality of channels 435 that collectively define the area of outlet 434 of first cap 430. Channels 435 of outlet 434 of first cap 430 extend, e.g., along the longitudinal direction LL from a chamber of regenerator housing 410 to inlet 432 of first cap 430. Channels 435 may also be spaced apart from one another, e.g., along the transverse direction TT, within first cap 430. An inlet 442 and outlet 444 of second cap 440 may be similarly shaped.

Using the teaching disclosed herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other suitable shapes and arrangements of inlets and outlets within caps of regenerators may be provided in alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, caps from regenerator 200, regenerator 300 and regenerator 400 may be combined in any suitable combination, in alternative exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 15 provides an elevation view of a pump 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Pump 500 is discussed in greater detail below in the context of heat pump 100. Thus, pump 500 is operable to circulate the working fluid through stages 130, 132 during operation of heat pump 100. However, it will be understood that pump 500 may be used in or with any suitable caloric heat pump to circulate working fluid, in alternative exemplary embodiments. As discussed in greater detail below, pump 500 includes features for synchronizing pistons of pump 500 in order to suitable flow working fluid through stages 130, 132, e.g., in the manner shown in FIG. 10.

As may be seen in FIG. 15, pump 500 includes a cam 530. Cam 530 is coupled to a motor, such as motor 28 such that cam 530 is rotatable with motor 28. In particular, cam 530 may be mounted to shaft 150 of motor 28, such that cam 530 rotates with shaft 150 during operation of motor 28. As discussed above, cam cylinder 152 (FIG. 8) may also be coupled to shaft 150. Thus, rotation of cam cylinder 152 may be synchronized with cam 530 on shaft 150, in order to provide the motion of stages 130, 132 shown in FIG. 9 while also providing synchronized operation of pump 500 shown in FIG. 10.

Cam 530 has a non-circular outer (e.g., outermost) surface 532. Non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530 may correspond to the outermost surface of cam 530 in a plane that is perpendicular to an axis of rotation for cam 530. Non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530 may be any suitable non-circular shape. For example, non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530 may be elliptical as shown in FIG. 15. In addition, cam 530 may be coupled to motor 28 such that cam 530 does not rotate about a centroid of cam 530. Thus, the axis of rotation of cam 530 (generally corresponding to the center of shaft 150 shown in FIG. 15) is offset from the centroid of cam 530. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the axis of rotation of cam 530 may be concentric with the centroid of cam 530

Pump 500 also includes a first pair of pistons 510. Pump 500 may also include at least one additional pair of pistons, shown as a second pair of pistons 520 in FIG. 15. It should be understood that pump 500 may include three, four or more pairs of pistons in alternative exemplary embodiments. First pistons 510 are spaced apart from each other at cam 530. For example, first pistons 510 may be positioned opposite each other on cam 530. Second pistons 520 are also spaced apart from each other at cam 530, e.g., such that second pistons 520 are positioned opposite each other on cam 530. First pistons 510 may be positioned orthogonal to second pistons 520, in certain exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15.

Each piston of first pistons 510 has a cam follower 512. Cam followers 512 of first pistons 510 are positioned on non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530. Thus, cam followers 512 of first pistons 510 ride on or contact non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530 during rotation of cam 530. In such a manner, displacement or reciprocation of first pistons 510 may be regulated. In particular, first pistons 510 may reciprocate when cam followers 512 of first pistons 510 ride on or contact non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530 during rotation of cam 530, as discussed in greater detail below.

Cam followers 512 of first pistons 510 may be positioned on non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530 such that a first one 514 of first pistons 510 is at a top dead center position when a second one 516 of first pistons 510 is at a bottom dead center position, as shown in FIG. 15. Conversely, when motor 28 rotates cam 530 one-hundred and eighty degrees from the orientation shown in FIG. 15, cam followers 512 of first pistons 510 may be positioned on non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530 such that first one 514 of first pistons 510 is at the bottom dead center position when second one 516 of first pistons 510 is at the top dead center position. By rotating cam 530, first pistons 510 may be oppositely reciprocated between the top and bottom dead center positions. In particular, cam followers 512 of first pistons 510 may positioned on non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530 such that first pistons 510 have a phase difference of one hundred and eighty degrees during operation of pump 500. Thus, first pistons 510 may reciprocate in opposite directions during operation of pump 500.

Each piston of second pistons 520 also has a cam follower 522. Cam followers 522 of second pistons 520 are positioned on non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530. Thus, cam followers 522 of second pistons 520 ride on or contact non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530 during rotation of cam 530. In such a manner, displacement or reciprocation of second pistons 520 may be regulated. In particular, second pistons 520 may reciprocate when cam followers 522 of second pistons 520 ride on or contact non-circular outer surface 532 of cam 530 during rotation of cam 530, in the manner described above for first pistons 510. Other piston pairs of pump 500 may also be arranged and operate in a similar manner described above for first pistons 510. In certain exemplary embodiments, pump 500 has one piston for each regenerator housing of a heat pump. Thus, for the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, pump 500 includes four pistons (e.g., first pistons 510 and second pistons 520).

As shown in FIG. 15, pump 500 is coupled to a plurality of conduits 540, such as one of lines 44, 46, 48 or 50. Thus, pump 500 may be plumed within conduits or other lines to regenerator housing 140, e.g., such that stages 130, 132 are in fluid communication with pump 500 via conduits 240. In such a manner, conduits 540 provide flow paths for working fluid between stages 130, 132 and pump 130, in the manner discussed above for FIG. 7.

FIG. 16 provides a schematic view of an alternative exemplary arrangement of stages of a heat pump system coupled to pistons of a pump. As shown in FIG. 16, stages 130, 132 of heat pump 100 (FIG. 2) may be arranged in the manner shown in FIG. 16, and components of pump 500 (FIG. 15) may be utilized to flow working fluid through stages 130, 132. As discussed in greater detail below, the exemplary arrangement of heat pump 100 illustrated in FIG. 16 includes features for regulating or conditioning flow of working fluid through stages 130, 132. In particular, heat pump 100 may include features for regulating flow of working fluid through stages 130, 132 such that working fluid flows evenly through multiple parallel flow paths, e.g., despite variations in flow resistance within stages 130, 132.

With reference to FIG. 16, heat pump 100 may include a plurality of flow restrictors 192. Each flow restrictor 192 is coupled to regenerator housing 140 or a respective one of a plurality of conduits, such as one of conduits 540 or lines 44, 46, 48 or 50. Flow restrictors 192 are configured such that a flow rate of working fluid through each of stages 130, 132 is uniform, e.g., within five percent of one another.

Flow restrictors 192 may be selected or adjusted such that the flow rate of working fluid through each of stages 130, 132 is uniform. Flow restrictors 192 may be any suitable mechanism for conditioning or regulating fluid flow into and/or out of stages 130, 132. As examples, flow restrictors 192 may be orifices, needle valves, pinch valves, combinations of the above listed examples, etc. Thus, flow restrictors 192 may be orifices positioned on regenerator housing 140 in certain exemplary embodiments. In alternative exemplary embodiments, flow restrictors 192 may be needle valves or pinch valves, and each of flow restrictors 192 may be coupled to a respective conduit, as shown in FIG. 16. It should be understood that in FIG. 16, line 50 includes multiple branches. Thus, as used herein, flow restrictors 192 may be coupled to parallel branches of a single line, with each branch being understood as a separate conduit.

As may be seen in FIG. 16, heat pump 100 may include four stages 130, 132, plumbed in parallel in two groups of two within respective regenerator housings 140. In addition, as discussed above, line 50 includes multiple parallel branches. Thus, working fluid from pump 500 may simultaneously flow through at least two of the four stages 130, 132 during operation of pump 500. In particular, first pistons 510 may reciprocate to flow fluid through stages 130, 132 during operation of pump 500, as described above. Because stages 130, 132 are plumbed in parallel on lines 48, 50. Pump 500 may include or operate only first pistons 510 to pump working fluid through stages 130, 132. Thus, only one set of pistons may be required to flow working fluid through multiple sets of stages utilizing the arrangement shown in FIG. 16. For example, while shown with two sets of stages 130, 123, any suitable number of additional stages 130, 132 may be provided, such as one, two, three or more additional stages 130, 132.

To tune or calibrate flow restrictors 192, a fluid, such as the working fluid, may be flowed or pumped through each stage of stages 130, 132, and a flow rate of the fluid through each stage of stages 130, 132 may be measured, e.g., with a flow meter. After determining the various flow rates through each stage of stages 130, 132, flow restrictors 192 are adjusted until the flow rate of fluid through each stage of stages 130, 132 is uniform, e.g., within five percent of one another. When the flow rates are measured, the one of stages 130, 132 with the lowest flow rate may be left without an associated flow restrictor 192 or the flow restrictor may be fully opened such that flow through the one of stages 130, 132 with the lowest flow rate is relatively unimpeded. In such manner, working fluid flow through stages 130, 132 may be regulated or conditioned and a single set of pistons (e.g., first pistons 510 or second pistons 520) may be used to flow working fluid through stages 130, 132 during operation of heat pump 100.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A caloric heat pump system, comprising: a regenerator housing comprising a plurality of chambers; a plurality of stages, each stage of the plurality of stages comprising a caloric material disposed within a respective chamber of the plurality of chambers; a plurality of conduits, each conduit of the plurality of conduits coupled to the regenerator housing at a respective one of the plurality of chambers; a pump coupled to the plurality of conduits, the pump operable to circulate a working fluid through the plurality of conduits and the plurality of stages; and a plurality of flow restrictors, each flow restrictor coupled to the regenerator housing or a respective one of the plurality of conduits, the plurality of flow restrictors configured such that a flow rate of the working fluid through each stage of the plurality of stages is uniform, wherein each flow restrictor of the plurality of flow restrictors is an adjustable needle valve or an adjustable pinch valve.
 2. The caloric heat pump system of claim 1, wherein each flow restrictor of the plurality of flow restrictors is coupled to the respective one of the plurality of conduits.
 3. The caloric heat pump system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of stages comprises four stages and at least two of the four stages are plumbed in parallel with the plurality of conduits such that working fluid from the pump simultaneously flows through the at least two of the four stages during operation of the pump.
 4. The caloric heat pump system of claim 3, wherein the pump comprises a pair of pistons.
 5. The caloric heat pump system of claim 4, wherein the pump further comprises a cam and a motor, the cam coupled to the motor such that the cam is rotatable with the motor, each piston of the pair of pistons having a follower positioned on the cam.
 6. The caloric heat pump system of claim 1, the flow rate of the working fluid through each stage of the plurality of stages is within five percent of one another.
 7. The caloric heat pump system of claim 1, wherein the caloric material is a magneto-caloric material.
 8. The caloric heat pump system of claim 1, further comprising: a first heat exchanger; and a second heat exchanger separate from the first heat exchanger, wherein the pump is operable to circulate the heat transfer fluid between the first and second heat exchangers and the plurality of stages.
 9. A caloric heat pump system, comprising: a regenerator housing comprising a plurality of chambers; a plurality of stages, each stage of the plurality of stages comprising a caloric material disposed within a respective chamber of the plurality of chambers; a plurality of conduits, each conduit of the plurality of conduits coupled to the regenerator housing at a respective one the plurality of chambers; a pump coupled to the plurality of conduits, the pump operable to circulate a working fluid through the plurality of conduits and the plurality of stages; and a plurality of flow restrictors, each flow restrictor of the plurality of flow restrictors coupled to the regenerator housing or a respective one of the plurality of conduits, the plurality of flow restrictors configured such that a flow rate of the working fluid through each stage of the plurality of stages is within five percent of one another, wherein each flow restrictor of the plurality of flow restrictors comprises at least one of an adjustable needle valve or an adjustable pinch valve.
 10. The caloric heat pump system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of stages comprises four stages and at least two of the four stages are plumbed in parallel with the plurality of conduits such that working fluid from the pump simultaneously flows through the at least two of the four stages during operation of the pump.
 11. The caloric heat pump system of claim 10, wherein the pump comprises a pair of pistons.
 12. The caloric heat pump system of claim 11, wherein the pump further comprises a cam and a motor, the cam coupled to the motor such that the cam is rotatable with the motor, each piston of the pair of pistons having a follower positioned on the cam.
 13. The caloric heat pump system of claim 9, wherein the caloric material is a magneto-caloric material.
 14. The caloric heat pump system of claim 9, further comprising: a first heat exchanger; and a second heat exchanger separate from the first heat exchanger, wherein the pump is operable to circulate the heat transfer fluid between the first and second heat exchangers and the plurality of stages.
 15. A method for regulating fluid flow through a plurality of stages of a caloric heat pump, the method comprising: flowing a fluid through each stage of the plurality of stages; measuring a flow rate of the fluid through each stage of the plurality of stages; and adjusting a plurality of flow restrictors such that the flow rate of fluid through each stage of the plurality of stages is uniform, wherein each flow restrictor of the plurality of flow restrictors comprises an adjustable needle valve or an adjustable pinch valve.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the flow rate of a working fluid through each stage of the plurality of stages is within five percent of one another after said step of adjusting. 